“Extremely beneficial to my professional and personal development” – Our Scholar Reflections from NSW
September 5, 2024
The Crawford Fund’s Annual Conference was held last month in Parliament House, Canberra. As well as bringing together the world’s leading experts in agricultural science, research, policy, development and industry to address the conference topic, the Crawford Fund is committed to encouraging the next generation in international agriculture for development to the event via scholarships awarded through our State and Territory committees and scholar supporters.
Our 2024 NSW scholars (left to right) Danielle Fordham, Samantha Currie, Dinesh Jamarkattel and seated Tom Swan, Amelia Ross and Emma Kuip pictured with NSW Crawford Fund Committee Coordinator Dr Helen Scott Orr, Committee Chair Dr Richard Sheldrake and Committee Member Deidre Lemerle.
Our conference scholarship program started in 2010 in the hope that by experiencing the Crawford Fund conference and network, our special program of activities around the conference and being mentored by inspirational experienced researchers, young researchers would be inspired and energised to be more involved. The results have been fantastic, with a great mix of youth and experience at our flagship event each August and a growing and enthusiastic conference scholar alumni approaching 450.
Our competitive Conference Scholarships are offered to young people with a genuine interest in international agricultural research and development to attend the conference and a special set of activities that we have developed since the program commenced in 2010.
Our other activities to encourage university students and early career researcher include highlighting opportunities in volunteering for projects overseas through the Australian Volunteers Program; our work with Researchers in Agriculture for International Development (RAID), and our special international student awards to enable students to be involved in overseas projects as part of their university study.
One of the requirements of the scholarship is that each scholar provides us with a reflection on their experience. We will be providing these reflections over the coming weeks, grouped by State.
Once again, we would like to thank our wonderful mentors, mentioned alongside the scholar they supported, who volunteer their time and offer valuable guidance, support and insights to the scholars throughout the conference.
Six scholars from NSW attended the 2024 Crawford Fund conference, supported by our NSW Committee. Highlights of their experiences have been captured below:
NSW CRAWFORD FUND COMMITTEE SUPPORTED SCHOLARS
Samantha Currie, Western Sydney University/NSW DPIRD
“The Crawford Fund’s 2024 Annual Conference was a highly beneficial experience that has deepened my understanding of the importance of partnerships, local leadership, and co-design in agricultural research for development. The key messages and highlights from the conference will undoubtedly inform my future work and inspire me to advocate for more inclusive and impactful approaches to food and nutrition security.”
Danielle Fordham, University of Newcastle
“The 2024 Annual Conference and Scholarship was a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of integrating local knowledge and leadership in international agricultural research. It was a privilege to be part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking event and community.”
Dinesh Jamarkattel, Southern Cross University
“The Crawford Conference 2024 has been extremely beneficial to my professional and personal development. From the start, the experience was unique, beginning with the assignment of a dedicated mentor. This was a new approach for me, and it proved to be extremely beneficial.”
Emma Kiup, The University of Sydney
“The key message I took away from the conference is, it takes a holistic and collaborative effort to address the challenges in achieving food security. One innovation may address one problem, but it may create another problem in the system hence a multifaceted solution is important. Also highlighted in the conversations was the importance of respect, cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness in international research.”
Amelia Ross, The University of Sydney
“It was a unique opportunity to be able to engage with such a diverse array of fellow students and early-career professionals, all with the same burning passion and each with the most fascinating perspectives on any array of topics. For myself, the optimism and excitement obtained from hearing of all the incredible pathways that people have followed, and adventures and moments of growth they have experienced along the way is always incredibly valuable.”
Tom Swan, University of Sydney
“One of the standout points of the conference was the emphasis on genuine partnerships. The Crawford Fund has always pushed for research that’s not just scientifically solid but also relevant to the local context. This year’s talks reinforced that successful agricultural projects need to be co-designed with local communities to make sure they meet specific needs and use local knowledge and resources.”
Read on for the full reflections of each NSW scholar:
Samantha Currie, Western Sydney University/NSW DPIRD
Mentor: Martin Blumenthal
Attending the Crawford Fund’s 2024 Annual Conference was an enlightening and enriching experience that provided me with valuable insights into the complexities of food and nutrition security. The conference’s emphasis on partnerships, local leadership, and collaboration in agricultural research for development resonated deeply with me, and I believe these elements are essential for driving impactful and sustainable change in food systems globally.
One of the key highlights of the conference was the focus on co-designing and delivering agricultural research projects that are deeply integrated into local cultures, communities, and socio-economic structures. The discussions emphasised the importance of moving away from a top-down approach where Western-trained scientists impose their methods on developing regions. Instead, the conference advocated for genuine partnerships that prioritise local knowledge and leadership. This approach ensures that research is not only relevant but also culturally appropriate and sustainable in the long term.
The emphasis on capacity building was also a key message that stood out to me. The conference made it clear that for agricultural research to have a lasting impact, it must include efforts to build the capacity of local researchers, farmers, and communities. This involves not just training individuals but also strengthening local institutions and governance structures to ensure that the benefits of research are sustained over time. The discussions on capacity building underscored the importance of two-way learning, where knowledge is exchanged and adapted rather than simply transferred from one context to another.
Networking was another major benefit of attending the conference. The diverse range of attendees provided a rich environment for exchanging ideas and learning from different perspectives. These interactions have broadened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities in food and nutrition security and have inspired me to explore new ways of contributing to this critical field.
The Crawford Fund’s 2024 Annual Conference was a highly beneficial experience that has deepened my understanding of the importance of partnerships, local leadership, and co-design in agricultural research for development. The key messages and highlights from the conference will undoubtedly inform my future work and inspire me to advocate for more inclusive and impactful approaches to food and nutrition security.
Danielle Fordham, University of Newcastle
Mentor: Seeseei Molimau-Samasoni
The 2024 Crawford Fund Conference Scholar Program and Annual Conference have profoundly transformed my life and career. The true impact on my life cannot be measured, just like the countless lives its program, people, and work save every year. My 2024 experience has strengthened my bond with the Crawford Fund and expanded my network, fostering stronger and more resilient international connections that transcend boundaries and disciplines. My key takeaway is the profound sense of belonging. Connecting with numerous like-minded, passionate leaders has empowered me to explore new pathways and opportunities to work collaboratively towards a better future for all.
The 2024 Crawford Fund Annual Conference was a highly enriching event that underscored the critical role of partnerships, consultation, and collaboration in agricultural R&D. The conference featured a series of insightful sessions focused on constructing effective research partnerships, tailoring R&D to achieve local outcomes, and building resilience in food systems. By exploring a variety of research and community-led projects, the conference highlighted the necessity of co-designed projects that are relevant, credible, and effective. These discussions provided valuable lessons on fostering successful transformative partnerships and promoting local leadership across diverse research and development initiatives.
Working closely with my mentor, Adjunct Associate Professor Seeseei Molimau Samasoni, was an incredibly rewarding experience. Her invaluable support and mentorship significantly enhanced my skills and deepened my understanding of the Pacific Island nations. Her guidance was crucial in navigating the complexities of agricultural research and development in the Pacific. Inspired by her encouragement, I am committed to pursuing culturally appropriate and inclusive research that focuses on developmental solutions and practical outcomes. This approach aims not only to expand academic knowledge but also to go beyond theoretical research to make a real-world impact by supporting the capacity of Pacific Island communities and the co-protection of their unique environments. Addressing the region’s needs amidst ever-growing climate and developmental challenges is paramount. I aspire for our connection to extend beyond the conference, continuing to strengthen the ties between Australia and the Pacific Island nations.
My understanding of resilience was nurtured by Dr. Line Gordon, Director of the Stockholm Resilience Centre. She emphasised that resilience is often viewed merely as a tool to overcome challenges, but it is much more than that. Resilience involves diversifying inputs and outcomes, which is crucial amidst the uncertainties of climate change and biodiversity loss. The conference further explored topics that intertwined knowledge with action, highlighting that while capacity exists, resources often do not. Additionally, powerful science relies on local contextualisation, which enhances effective communication and draws inspiration from culture. When strategy is deeply intertwined with culture, it delivers diverse solutions that are suitable for the local people and environment. This approach ensures that scientific endeavours are not only relevant but also respectful and responsive to the unique needs and contexts of the communities they aim to serve.
Overall, the 2024 Annual Conference and Scholarship was a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of integrating local knowledge and leadership in international agricultural research. It was a privilege to be part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking event and community.
Dinesh Jamarkattel, Southern Cross University
Mentor: Dr Deirdre Lemerle
The Crawford Conference 2024 has been extremely beneficial to my professional and personal development. From the start, the experience was unique, beginning with the assignment of a dedicated mentor. This was a new approach for me, and it proved to be extremely beneficial. Dr Deirdre Lemerle, my mentor, not only assisted me in connecting with researchers and professionals in international agriculture, but also encouraged me to consider my own place in this field. One memorable moment was the roundtable discussion with Crawford members, during which I learnt about the diverse work being done by fellows from various disciplines, all of which contribute to the larger goals of food security and environmental protection. This experience broadened my understanding of the many possible paths in international agriculture.
A highlight of the conference was meeting key figures in my field of interest. Among the many outstanding speakers, Dr. Uday Nidomolu of CSIRO stood out for me. His work on participatory research with farmers, particularly in climate mitigation in India, resonated strongly with my own goals. He demonstrated how involving farmers as active research participants can result in more effective and long-term outcomes. This approach to development research is consistent with my belief in the value of grassroots involvement.
Another memorable event was the Scholars’ Day activity for RAID members, during which early-career fellows shared their experiences. This session provided practical advice on how to engage with communities and stakeholders across borders, which is essential for anyone involved in international development.
Two influential speakers, Dr Line Gordon from the Stockholm Research Centre and Dr Ismahane Elouafi from CIMMYT, delivered speeches that summarised the key messages I took away from the conference. Both emphasised the value of collaboration in addressing global issues such as food security and environmental sustainability. Dr Elouafi emphasised the importance of investment, policy, equity, and inclusivity in system-level transformations, and provided many examples on how CGIAR’s international programs has been executing such approaches. Meanwhile, Dr Gordon highlighted the divergent priorities of low- and high-income countries, with the former facing yield gaps and the latter dealing with environmental concerns. Despite these differences, she emphasised that collaboration is essential for achieving comprehensive and effective solutions while minimising trade-offs.
Overall, the Crawford Conference 2024 has given me new insights, connections, and a better understanding of the global agricultural landscape, emphasising the value of collaboration and innovation in this field.
Emma Kiup, The University of Sydney
Mentor: John Yaxley
My participation in the 2024 Crawford Fund Conference Food and Nutrition Security: Transformative Partnerships, Local Leadership and Co-Design, was a very enlightening experience that gave me renewed motivation in my journey as a young researcher from Papua New Guinea. I am grateful and thankful to the New South Wales Crawford Fund Committee for granting me the Crawford Scholarship to attend the Conference.
The presentations and conversations at the conference were very enriching but I would like to mention especially three speakers that I found highly insightful were Dr Ismahane Elouafi (Executive Managing Director, CGIAR and former FAO Chief Scientist), Dr Seeseei Molimau Samasoni (Adjunct Associate Professor from the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa) and Ms Madonna Thomson (Aboriginal Biocultural Knowledge Holder and Practitioner). Dr Elouafi’s commitment to tackling poverty and embracing sustainable food systems were truly inspiring. Dr Samasoni’s speech was very impactful to me because she voiced many of the key challenges that was faced in international research in the Pacific Islands. She highlighted the importance of working with local champions who are key advocators for new innovations but in most cases are the most vulnerable. Lastly, Ms Thomson spoke passionately about indigenous knowledge and how it plays a vital role in solving current global food security issues.
The scholar-mentor pairing was a fantastic arrangement by the conference coordinators as this allowed the scholars to feel guided and engaged during the conference. I would like to express my gratitude to my mentor- John Yaxley and the other dedicated mentors who generously offered their time in providing guidance and support to the scholars during the conference.
I would also like to thank the RAID Network committee, especially the President, Mikayla Hyland-Woods for leading an excellent team who were passionate about sharing their experiences and talk about the opportunities that were available for the scholars – “The door to opportunities is endless, we just need to get up and start knocking on those doors.”
The key message I took away from the conference is, it takes a holistic and collaborative effort to address the challenges in achieving food security. One innovation may address one problem, but it may create another problem in the system hence a multifaceted solution is important. Also highlighted in the conversations was the importance of respect, cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness in international research.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge and thank Ms Cathy Reade and the hardworking team at the Crawford Fund for the fantastic job they did to ensure that we had the best experience at the Conference.
Amelia Ross, University of Sydney
Mentor: Cathy O’Mullan
As an undergraduate student entering my final year of study, I often myself stuck in that nebulous cloud of indecision and confusion that most students feel when regarding their future after graduation. Studying agricultural science and environmental studies, I am fortunate enough to have a plethora of potential pathways and careers to follow down. However, this immense potentiality can easily become overwhelming. The agricultural ‘sector’ is incomprehensibly vast and compiled with such a melange of both entwined and completely unique sub-industries. The field of developmental agriculture is no different, taking on a very amorphous nature when considering it from an outside perspective.
Coming into the Crawford Fund conference, my perspectives and understandings of the topics of developmental agriculture were very much defined by this wayward confusion with the breadth of the field. Having just returned from a study trip to Indonesia regarding rural development, I had a newly acquired physical conception of what it might look like to work in a developing country, but no idea of the bureaucracies and key international players that work within this sphere. The opportunity to attend the conference as a scholar was immensely elucidating in this regard; rubbing shoulders with the venerable leaders of organisations such as CGIAR, the Stockholm Resilience Institute, and other specific research institutions, was an amazing part of the program.
The discussions and stories shared amongst the scholars over our jam-packed three days of the conference and scholars’ program were also a highlight. It is a unique opportunity to be able to engage with such a diverse array of fellow students and early-career professionals, all with the same burning passion and each with the most fascinating perspectives on any array of topics. For myself, the optimism and excitement obtained from hearing of all the incredible pathways that people have followed, and adventures and moments of growth they have experienced along the way is always incredibly valuable.
A further highlight was the many edifying and delightful interactions and conversations I engaged in with my mentor Cathy O’Mullan. Her kindness and friendship were immensely appreciated, and her insights and stories of her work were deeply informative.
Attending the conference was a unique and inspiring event, a celebration of all the revolutionary work that has already been done and is currently being executed in the name of food security and global agricultural development, as well as a critical reminder of all the work that is still to be done. I’m looking forward to being further involved in such a rewarding cause in the future.
Tom Swan, University of Sydney
Mentor: Uta Stockman
The 2024 Crawford Fund Conference in Canberra was a fantastic gathering of scholars, and practitioners focused on food and nutrition security. This year’s theme, “Transformative Partnerships, Local Leadership, and Co-Design,” really hit home the importance of working together and involving local communities in agricultural research for development. Attendance at this conference has allowed me to re-assess my view about truly transformative partnerships, among other things.
One of the standout points of the conference was the emphasis on genuine partnerships. The Crawford Fund has always pushed for research that’s not just scientifically solid but also relevant to the local context. This year’s talks reinforced that successful agricultural projects need to be co-designed with local communities to make sure they meet specific needs and use local knowledge and resources.
Hearing from both Madonna Thomson and Seeseei Molimau Samasoni was particularly insightful. They shared how valuable it was to co-design in a culturally and socially appropriate manner. The conference also showcased some great case studies of successful partnerships. For example, the Treaty Village Fruit Fly Trapping Program (presenters Annastasia Kawi and Patrick Nai) and showed how collaboration between Australian and PNG researchers led to effective, sustainable pest management strategies tailored to local conditions. As can occur in research, I had worked with Patrick Nai five years prior (on a different project), and it was great to see him develop as a researcher – now on the main stage at Crawford!
A significant discussion I had throughout the conference was about reframing ‘Agriculture for Development’ to ‘Agriculture in Development’ (as highlighted by Hampus Eriksson). This shift in thinking is but one way to consider power over priorities and how research programming engages in partnerships. As an early career researcher in this space, this shift in thinking has been useful for how I engage and value in-country partnerships.
The conference wrapped up with a call to action for more inclusive and equitable research collaborations. Participants were encouraged to foster partnerships that promote shared ownership, equity, and mutual learning. This collaborative spirit is essential for tackling the complex challenges of food and nutrition security in our rapidly changing world.
In summary, the 2024 Crawford Fund Conference highlighted the critical role of partnerships, local leadership, and co-design in agricultural research and development. The insights and experiences shared by participants, underscored the importance of inclusive and contextually relevant research. As the conference showed, achieving food and nutrition security requires a collective effort that bridges scientific innovation with local knowledge and needs.
